This project addresses the significant communication barrier faced by over 430 million hearing- and speech-impaired individuals globally. Existing assistive technologies are fragmented, require an internet connection, provide only one-way translation, or are too slow for real-time dialogue. This project focuses on students at Dr. MGR Home & Higher Secondary School in India, who lack affordable, offline, two-way communication devices.
The SRM TRP TIRUCHIRAPALLI IEEE Student Branch team is developing a “Smart Handheld Translator for Hearing and Speech Impaired.” This initiative aims to create a dedicated, affordable, and offline device to facilitate fast, two-way communication.
The expected outcome is the successful deployment of this smart handheld translator, which will significantly improve daily interactions and educational experiences for the hearing- and speech-impaired. It will directly benefit 75 individuals short-term and an estimated 200 long-term.
This project was made possible by $1,380 in funding from EPICS in IEEE.